So I’ve been away awhile, primarily because I was a bit turned off by the internet and it’s complicity in allowing people to be so thoughtlessly, anonymously cruel. Read that as someone made a cruel remark on a review of a product on Amazon and I got my feelings all hurt. At this point, the good still outweighs the bad, though. One of the good things is the amazing friends I have made thanks to the internet. Another is the vast amount of information and inspiration available to almost everyone. Like, for example, http://www.mondaycampaigns.org/. In that spirit, I’d like to offer a Meatless Monday recipe.

So, one of my bestie’s moving van comes today. It’s really real. She’s going to move to the opposite side of the country. I know with facebook and blogging and everything, we’ll be able to keep up with each other, but it just won’t be the same as having a friend down the street to call and invite to an impromptu playdate or walk in the park, or please bring us some sprite and crackers and leave it on the door because all of us are so sick. I am going to miss her so much.
One of the good things to come out of this is I can really see how kind and empathetic my children are. I was crying after church yesterday and my sweet girl made me a “smiley face snack, so I could smile again” and brought me flowers. Sweet baby boy said ” Why crying, Mama? I Love You.” He hasn’t said that since he was 11 months old. Heart melting.
How does all this relate to being a mom with ADHD? If you’re reading this, you know that we have a harder time than most making friends and keeping them. I want to write down a few helpful hints, to help you, dear reader, and remind myself.

1. Give gifts. This is pretty self explanatory. You totally don’t have to spend money. Gifts of your time and talent count too.

2. Have rituals. This could be as simple as meeting at the farmer’s market every week. Structure and regularity are good for everyone.

3. Remember things. Their birthdays, their kid’s birthdays, kid’s allergies, you get the idea. Everyone likes to feel important enough to be paid attention to. Which brings me to my final point;

4. Pay attention. I know this is hard. Medication can help. It is so important to any relationship, that it’s worth stating even though it seems obvious.

I realize these are like so 2007, but I just now got around to making some, from the package of blank business cards I bought for like $5 about 3 years ago. I am quite pleased with the results. Searching around the web for free designs, I stumbled upon quite a number of blogs bemoaning these as sexist and whatnot. This is sad to me. Parenting really is a valuable contribution to society! I am PROUD to be Mommy! Let’s just all agree that we’re all making the best decisions for our families and doing the best we can and leave it at that.
What are your thoughts on mommy cards?

My kids love a good checklist. Even the most flexible, go with the flow children like some structure and routine. Plus it really helps create a more harmonious home if you’re not screaming at the kids to get ready first thing in the morning.